Abstract Background: Urinary parameters, anti-dsDNA antibodies and complement tests were explored in patients with childhood-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (cSLE) early-onset lupus nephritis (ELN) from a large multicenter cohort study. Methods: Clinical and laboratory features of cSLE cases with kidney involvement at presentation, were reviewed. Disease activity parameters including SLEDAI-2 K scores and major organ involvement at onset and follow up, with accrued damage scored by SLICC-DI, during last follow up, were compared with those without kidney involvement. Autoantibodies, renal function and complement tests were determined by standard methods. Subjects were grouped by presence or absence of ELN. Results: Out of the 846 subjects enrolled, mean age 11.6 (SD 3.6) years; 427 (50.5%) had ELN. There was no significant difference in the ELN proportion, according to onset age, but ELN frequency was significantly higher in non-Caucasians (p = 0.03). Hematuria, pyuria, urine casts, 24-h proteinuria and arterial hypertension at baseline, all had significant association with ELN outcome (p < 0.001). With a similar follow up time, there were significantly higher SLICC-DI damage scores during last follow up visit (p = 0.004) and also higher death rates (p < 0.0001) in those with ELN. Low C3 (chi-square test, p = 0.01), but not C3 levels associated significantly with ELN. High anti-dsDNA antibody levels were associated with ELN (p < 0.0001), but anti-Sm, anti-RNP, anti-Ro, anti-La antibodies were not associated. Low C4, C4 levels, low CH50 and CH50 values had no significant association. High erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was associated with the absence of ELN (p = 0.02). Conclusion: The frequency of ELN was 50%, resulting in higher morbidity and mortality compared to those without ELN. The urinary parameters, positive anti-dsDNA and low C3 are reliable for discriminating ELN.

ABSTRACT The control of dyslipidemia by using herbal products is an important subject for studies. In this study, we evaluated the effects of dry Passiflora incarnata L. extract over dyslipidemia, left ventricular hypertrophy, and hepatic oxidative stress of LDL receptor knockout mice (LDLr-/-). Forty 4-month old male LDLr-/- mice were distributed into four groups: Group standard diet; Group standard diet and 200 mg/kg of body weight of Passiflora incarnata L. leaf dry extract; Group high-fat diet; Group high-fat diet and 200 mg/kg of body weight of Passiflora incarnata L. leaf dry extract. After 30 days, Passiflora incarnata L. dry extract reduced the effects of the high-fat diet, with a decrease of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and increase of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), as well as a reduction of C-reactive protein, alkaline phosphatase and insulin. There was no effect on glucose, Homa index and enzymes aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. However, the prevention of left ventricular hypertrophy occurred, as well as lipid peroxidation and the production of carbonyl proteins, which are both oxidative stress markers. In conclusion, Passiflora incarnata L. dry extract acts in the prevention of dyslipidemia, consequently, hindering the occurrence of hepatic oxidative stress and the development of left ventricular hypertrophy by the increase of serum HDL, in mice that had the effects of a high-fat diet.

Introduction Human migration and the presence of natural vectors (mollusks) of Schistosoma mansoni are the primary causes of the expansion of mansoni schistosomiasis into southern areas of South America. Water conditions are favorable for the expansion of this disease because of the extensive hydrographic network, which includes the basins of the Paraná and Uruguay rivers and favors mollusk reproduction. These rivers also aid agriculture and tourism in the area. Despite these favorable conditions, natural infection by S. mansoni has not yet been reported in Argentina, Uruguay, or Paraguay. Methods Two species of planorbid from Argentina, Biomphalaria straminea and B. tenagophila, were exposed to the miracidia of five Brazilian strains of S. mansoni. Results Biomphalaria tenagophila (Atalaya, Buenos Aires province) was infected with the SJS strain (infection rate 3.3%), confirming the experimental susceptibility of this Argentinian species. Biomphalaria straminea (Rio Santa Lucía, Corrientes province) was susceptible to two Brazilian strains: SJS (infection rate 6.7%) and Sergipe (infection rate 6.7%). Conclusions These results demonstrate that species from Argentina have the potential to be natural hosts of S. mansoni and that the appearance of foci of mansoni schistosomiasis in Argentina is possible.

The objective of the study was to validate the content of the dimensions that constituted nonadherence to treatment of arterial systemic hypertension. It was a methodological study of content validation. Initially an integrative review was conducted that demonstrated four dimensions of nonadherence: person, disease/treatment, health service, and environment. Definitions of these dimensions were evaluated by 17 professionals, who were specialists in the area, including: nurses, pharmacists and physicians. The Content Validity Index was calculated for each dimension (IVCi) and the set of the dimensions (IVCt), and the binomial test was conducted. The results permitted the validation of the dimensions with an IVCt of 0.88, demonstrating reasonable systematic comprehension of the phenomena of nonadherence.

El objetivo del estudio fue realizar la validación del contenido de las dimensiones que constituyen la falta de adherencia al tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial sistémica. Estudio metodológico de validación del contenido. Inicialmente se realizó una revisión integradora que demostró cuatro dimensiones de la falta de adherencia: persona, enfermedad/tratamiento, servicio de salud y ambiente. Las definiciones de estas dimensiones fueron evaluadas por 17 profesionales expertos en el tema, entre ellos enfermeras, farmacéuticos y médicos. Se calculó el Índice de Validez del Contenido de cada dimensión (IVCi) y del conjunto de las dimensiones (IVCt), y se realizó la prueba binomial. Los resultados permitieron la validación de las dimensiones con un IVCt de 0.88, demostrando razonable comprensión sistémica del fenómeno de la falta de adherencia.

O objetivo do estudo foi realizar a validação de conteúdo das dimensões constitutivas da não adesão ao tratamento da Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica. Estudo metodológico de validação de conteúdo. Inicialmente foi realizada uma revisão integrativa que demonstrou quatro dimensões da não adesão: pessoa, doença/tratamento, serviço de saúde e ambiente. As definições dessas dimensões foram avaliadas por 17 profissionais especialistas na temática, entre enfermeiros, farmacêuticos e médicos. Foi calculado o Índice de Validade de Conteúdo de cada dimensão (IVCi) e do conjunto das dimensões (IVCt) e realizado o teste binomial. Os resultados permitiram a validação das dimensões com um IVCt de 0,88, demonstrando razoável compreensão sistêmica do fenômeno da não adesão.

O objetivo do estudo foi realizar a validação de conteúdo das dimensões constitutivas da não adesão ao tratamento da Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica. Estudo metodológico de validação de conteúdo. Inicialmente foi realizada uma revisão integrativa que demonstrou quatro dimensões da não adesão: pessoa, doença/tratamento, serviço de saúde e ambiente. As definições dessas dimensões foram avaliadas por 17 profissionais especialistas na temática, entre enfermeiros, farmacêuticos e médicos. Foi calculado o Índice de Validade de Conteúdo de cada dimensão (IVCi) e do conjunto das dimensões (IVCt) e realizado o teste binomial. Os resultados permitiram a validação das dimensões com um IVCt de 0,88, demonstrando razoável compreensão sistêmica do fenômeno da não adesão.

The objective of the study was to validate the content of the dimensions that constituted nonadherence to treatment of arterial systemic hypertension. It was a methodological study of content validation. Initially an integrative review was conducted that demonstrated four dimensions of nonadherence: person, disease/treatment, health service, and environment. Definitions of these dimensions were evaluated by 17 professionals, who were specialists in the area, including: nurses, pharmacists and physicians. The Content Validity Index was calculated for each dimension (IVCi) and the set of the dimensions (IVCt), and the binomial test was conducted. The results permitted the validation of the dimensions with an IVCt of 0.88, demonstrating reasonable systematic comprehension of the phenomena of nonadherence.

El objetivo del estudio fue realizar la validación del contenido de las dimensiones que constituyen la falta de adherencia al tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial sistémica. Estudio metodológico de validación del contenido. Inicialmente se realizó una revisión integradora que demostró cuatro dimensiones de la falta de adherencia: persona, enfermedad/tratamiento, servicio de salud y ambiente. Las definiciones de estas dimensiones fueron evaluadas por 17 profesionales expertos en el tema, entre ellos enfermeras, farmacéuticos y médicos. Se calculó el Índice de Validez del Contenido de cada dimensión (IVCi) y del conjunto de las dimensiones (IVCt), y se realizó la prueba binomial. Los resultados permitieron la validación de las dimensiones con un IVCt de 0.88, demostrando razonable comprensión sistémica del fenómeno de la falta de adherencia.

Introduction Chagas disease is considered as emerging in the Brazilian Amazon, usually occurring in acute outbreaks. Methods We describe 17 cases of acute Chagas disease in Rio Negro, Amazonas. Results There were 15 males (average age, 31.3 years), all positive for Trypanosoma cruzi in fresh blood smear examination, and 14 positive by xenodiagnosis and PCR. The top clinical manifestations were fever, asthenia, abdominal pain, and palpitations. Electrocardiograms featured low-voltage QRS, anterosuperior divisional block, and right bundle branch block associated with anterosuperior divisional block. Conclusions All patients had consumed açaí products from Monte Alegre in the rural area around Santa Izabel do Rio Negro, Brazil.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hygrothermal exposure, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, salt spray and thermal shock aging on the thermomechanical behavior of glass fiber reinforced by poly (ether-imide) (PEI) composites. Dynamic mechanical (DMA) and Thermomechanical (TMA) analyses have been performed on the aged PEI composites after being submitted to the climatic chambers. Additional techniques have been used to characterize the laminates, such as optical microscopy and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) in order to evaluate possible structural changes in these materials. Slight changes were observed both in glass transition temperature and in thermal expansion coefficient as a result from the environmental conditioning used (hygrothermal, salt spray, UV radiation and thermal shock conditioning). Thus, when exposed to these conditions, PEI/glass fiber laminates maintain its compromise with the performance component.

OBJETIVO: Identificar a prevalência de perda auditiva da população urbana. MÉTODOS: Estudo domiciliar transversal em 298 domicílios da área urbana de Monte Negro, RO, de 2005 a 2007. O estudo foi baseado no Protocolo de Pesquisa em Audição e Distúrbios da Audição, da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Exames de orelha, audiometria comportamental e audiometria tonal foram realizados em 577 indivíduos estudados. RESULTADOS: Foram classificados na categoria de deficiência auditiva incapacitante 3,8% (IC95% 2,17;5,45) do total dos indivíduos estudados. A prevalência de deficiência auditiva moderada foi de 3,4%; deficiência auditiva severa foi de 0,4%. Não foi encontrada deficiência auditiva profunda. CONCLUSÕES: O grau de prevalência de perda auditiva incapacitante encontrada no estudo foi equivalente à prevalência internacional para este grau e menor quando comparada ao resultado obtido em estudo anterior na região Sul do Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of hearing loss for the population in the urban area. METHODS: A cross-sectional household survey based on the World Health Organization Ear and Hearing Disorders Survey Protocol was conducted in 298 households in the urban area of Monte Negro, Rondonia, Northern Brazil, from 2005 to 2007. Ear examinations, behavioral audiometry and pure tone audiometry were conducted on 577 individuals. RESULTS: The results showed that 3.8% (95%CI 2.17;5.45) of population were classified in the disabling hearing impairment category. The prevalence of moderate hearing impairment was 3.4%; severe impairment was 0.4%; and profound hearing impairment was not found. CONCLUSIONS: The impairing hearing loss prevalence found in this study is within of the international prevalence for this level of hearing loss and smaller than observed in a previous study in the South region of Brazil.

OBJETIVO: Identificar la prevalencia de pérdida auditiva de la población urbana. MÉTODOS: Estudio domiciliar transversal en 298 domicilios del área urbana de Monte Negro, RO, Brasil, de 2005 a 2007. El estudio se basó en el Protocolo de Investigación en Audición y Disturbios de la Audición, de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se realizaron exámenes de oreja, audiometría conductual y audiometría tonal en 577 de los individuos estudiados. RESULTADOS: Se clasificaron en la categoría de deficiencia auditiva incapacitante, 3,8% (95% IC 2,17;5,45) de los individuos estudiados. La prevalencia de deficiencia auditiva moderada fue de 3,4%; deficiencia auditiva severa fue de 0,4%. No se encontró deficiencia auditiva profunda. CONCLUSIONES: El estudio estableció la prevalencia de 3,8% de pérdida auditiva en la región de Monte Negro.

OBJETIVO: Identificar a prevalência de perda auditiva da população urbana. MÉTODOS: Estudo domiciliar transversal em 298 domicílios da área urbana de Monte Negro, RO, de 2005 a 2007. O estudo foi baseado no Protocolo de Pesquisa em Audição e Distúrbios da Audição, da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Exames de orelha, audiometria comportamental e audiometria tonal foram realizados em 577 indivíduos estudados. RESULTADOS: Foram classificados na categoria de deficiência auditiva incapacitante 3,8% (IC95% 2,17;5,45) do total dos indivíduos estudados. A prevalência de deficiência auditiva moderada foi de 3,4%; deficiência auditiva severa foi de 0,4%. Não foi encontrada deficiência auditiva profunda. CONCLUSÕES: O grau de prevalência de perda auditiva incapacitante encontrada no estudo foi equivalente à prevalência internacional para este grau e menor quando comparada ao resultado obtido em estudo anterior na região Sul do Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of hearing loss for the population in the urban area. METHODS: A cross-sectional household survey based on the World Health Organization Ear and Hearing Disorders Survey Protocol was conducted in 298 households in the urban area of Monte Negro, Rondonia, Northern Brazil, from 2005 to 2007. Ear examinations, behavioral audiometry and pure tone audiometry were conducted on 577 individuals. RESULTS: The results showed that 3.8% (95%CI 2.17;5.45) of population were classified in the disabling hearing impairment category. The prevalence of moderate hearing impairment was 3.4%; severe impairment was 0.4%; and profound hearing impairment was not found. CONCLUSIONS: The impairing hearing loss prevalence found in this study is within of the international prevalence for this level of hearing loss and smaller than observed in a previous study in the South region of Brazil.

OBJETIVO: Identificar la prevalencia de pérdida auditiva de la población urbana. MÉTODOS: Estudio domiciliar transversal en 298 domicilios del área urbana de Monte Negro, RO, Brasil, de 2005 a 2007. El estudio se basó en el Protocolo de Investigación en Audición y Disturbios de la Audición, de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se realizaron exámenes de oreja, audiometría conductual y audiometría tonal en 577 de los individuos estudiados. RESULTADOS: Se clasificaron en la categoría de deficiencia auditiva incapacitante, 3,8% (95% IC 2,17;5,45) de los individuos estudiados. La prevalencia de deficiencia auditiva moderada fue de 3,4%; deficiencia auditiva severa fue de 0,4%. No se encontró deficiencia auditiva profunda. CONCLUSIONES: El estudio estableció la prevalencia de 3,8% de pérdida auditiva en la región de Monte Negro.

The prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was investigated in 149 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative injecting drug users (IDUs) in the Central-West Region of Brazil. Of these individuals, 19 were positive for HBV DNA, resulting in an occult HBV infection prevalence of 12.7% (19/149); six of these 19 individuals had anti-HBV core and/or anti-HBV surface antibodies and 13 were negative for HBV markers. All IDUs with occult hepatitis B reported sexual and/or parenteral risk behaviours. All HBV DNA-positive samples were successfully genotyped. Genotype D was the most common (17/19), followed by genotype A (2/19). These findings reveal a high prevalence of occult HBV infection and the predominance of genotype D among IDUs in Brazil's Central-West Region.

A organização e o funcionamento de uma casa de abrigo de uma instituição humanista não feminista (chamada de "Solidariedade Social") constituiu o foco central desta pesquisa. Para isto, realizaram-se entrevistas semi-estruturadas às profissionais: à diretora da instituição, à diretora técnica e ao psicólogo. A análise apresenta uma visão de uma casa de abrigo normativa sobre o que deve ser uma mulher, incluindo as suas rotinas diárias, associada a uma organização rígida no que diz respeito a regras e horários. Mais ainda, perspectivando a mulher apenas como mãe e doméstica, esta perspectiva apresenta uma elevada tolerância à violência de gênero. A este respeito, este tipo de instituições corre sério risco de cair na perspectiva de "revitimizar" a vítima.

The organization and functioning of a shelter of a humanistic and non feminist institution (called "Social Solidarity") was the main focus of this study. For this purpose, three semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals working in the shelter: the director of the Executive Border, the coordinator who is social worker and the psychologist. The analysis shows a normative vision about the way women ought to behave and set their daily routines, associated with a rigid organization of regulations and schedules. Furthermore, visioning the woman only as mother, this perspective shows a high level of tolerance to gender violence, in "some circumstances". In this respect, this kind of institutions risks to fall into the "blaming the victim" perspective.